Red Hand of Doom PBP

Game Master Tanner Nielsen

Good luck Findor... Maysalkirii whispers. Less risky than Invisibility at least.

The Silversong Champions wait for approximately 20 minutes, giving any active spell effects in the area adequate time to dissipate. Unfortunately, there is no change in the environs of the Skull Gorge Bridge.

Findor takes the form of a giant eagle and flies high over the landscape. This is what he sees (MAP). There are no apparent enemies in sight. The ground where tents and campfires once stood is now bare.

The brown squares are just normal earth and dirt. I had to cover the tents in the mapmaker program.

After waiting nervously for close to half an hour, Dragox finally speaks. "Either we are going to stay in here all day, or we are going to have to try our luck and go see what is happening. Maybe they have gone, although I still doubt that for some reason."

"Where did you leave the hobgoblin, Narses?" Adele whispers. "Perhaps he knows something about a contingency plan."

'He won't be there. Or if he is he won't be talking to anyone.' Narses replies, not looking Adele in the eyes.

"Come on." Nasras suddenly stands up and walks into the open. Looking about suspiciosly he proceeds to check for tracks.

survival 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22 +4 vs goblioid, +2 vs dragon.

Narses fails to find any tracks. Not counting, of course, the tracks of the Silversong Champions from the day before.

"Well, we are probably walking into a trap, but there is no reason to wait around here all day. Let's go out, and either spring the trap or take a look at the towers and bridge." Saying this, the monk follows Narses out of the cave.

'He won't be there. Or if he is he won't be talking to anyone.' Narses replies, not looking Adele in the eyes.

With a sharp look after Narses, Adele agrees with Dragox. "You're right; we must simply trust in our deities to protect us from any ambush. If there are any clues to be found, they are likely to be on the other side of the bridge."

Narses fails to find any tracks. Not counting, of course, the tracks of the Silversong Champions from the day before.

Maysalkirii would have gone with him to search for tracks.

1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21

If he too doesn't glean anything, Feek will go along with whatever the group decide.

Er Dragox we're by the bridge, not at the cave btw.

Adele will stay out of the way while Narses and Feek examine the ground, not wanting to disturb any clues they might find; when they announce no new tracks since our own yesterday, she will begin to walk toward the bridge, keeping a sharp eye out for anything suddenly "de-cloaking."

Perception 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29

If she makes it to the bridge unaccosted, she will examine the structure to see if it appears sturdy, looking for anything unusual that might indicate it has been tampered with.

Knowledge (engineering) 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22

Carefully making his way forward to the bridge Narses likes the situation less and less. "What's going on here?!?!" he exclaims as he fails to see any tracks whatsoever. "There was a bloody platoon here! How can they leave no tracks?!?"

survival 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24
perception 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20
+4 vs goblinoids, +2 vs dragons.

Carefully making his way forward to the bridge Narses likes the situation less and less. "What's going on here?!?!" he exclaims as he fails to see any tracks whatsoever. "There was a bloody platoon here! How can they leave no tracks?!?"

survival 1d20+12
perception 1d20+12
+4 vs goblinoids, +2 vs dragons.

Maysalkirii will take 10 to assist you, for a total of 26, 30 vs goblins, 28 vs dragons.

You party stands before the Skull Gorge Bridge. Even the most persistent searching fails to reveal any unusual tracks or marks in the earth. It is as if the Red Hand troops from the day before did not exist, at least on this side of the bridge.

MAP

Findor, perhaps you can look for traces of illusionary magic? Maysalkirii asks, his grasp of the theory of magic clumsy at best.

After landing and transforming back into his normal kobold-self, Findor casts detect magic and slowly approaches the bridge.

Perception 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29
Spellcraft 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19
Knowledge Arcane 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21

Using detect magic, Findor finds faint traces of abjuration magic imbued in the earth between the two southern towers. By your estimation, it is a very weak spell.

His keen eyes also pick out that recent renovations have been performed on the southern towers. New stone, free of dust and moss, is visible at the bases of both towers.

Findor goes back to the party to report his findings.

"I do not like this. Dragons can be subtle, from my understandings of them. Not often, but sometimes. They can find ways to use lesser magics that other races are sometimes dumbfounded by."

Using Lore Master to take 10 on Knowledge (arcana) = 23

"Abjuration? It could be a magical alarm of some sort that will notify them when the other end of the bridge is breached; I have a similar spell in my arsenal. Although it should have been simple enough for the dragon to simply attack us from the air on this end of the bridge ... unless they have the ground on the other side well-trapped to aid in their ambush." She shrugs helplessly. "You said the bases of the watchtowers on the other end are freshly repaired? They could have rigged them to collapse on us when we cross or perhaps to take down the whole bridge, although that would seem to work against their own interests. Either way, I don't know how to find out what they've done without risking triggering it."

I think we either need to assume the horde has already used the bridge and has gone to Drellin's Ferry and try and beat them back to defend the town- or we need to assume this is a ruse for us to come to that exact conclusion, and we should cross the bridge and go to where the horde was supposed to be gathering to confirm they haven't crossed yet. Adele, do you or Dragox not have access to any divination spells?

'This is making me nervous.' Narses mutters and spits to the side. "We'll have to cross." he says slowly. "We need to see if there are any tracks. Trap or no."

"Not all of us," Adele amends. "That way, if something triggers at the other end of the bridge, there will be some of us outside the trapped area to help." She turns to Feek. "I have not advanced near enough to Shelyn to hope for any direct answers from her servants. Dragox, however, has taken a different path and might merit attention from Sarenrae...?" She looks at the half-orc hopefully.

Sadly, the 1/2 orc shakes his head. "Unfortunately, the Dawnflower has blessed me for battle today, not so much for information gathering. And to be honest at my limited level of knowledge, the answers to most abstract questions are beyond my ability to decipher. Truth to tell, I am flummoxed by this dragon's wiles. I have heard tales of their cleverness and this one seems no different."

Guys I won't be on the site much for the rest of the week, until Sunday. Heading out to Chicago for a business trip tomorrow. I'll have my laptop, so I hope to post once or twice per day, but I'll be hit and miss. Run Dragox as necessary. Thanks.

Adele is unable to identify the spell currently in effect. With no divinations available, the Silversong Champions must decide their course.

Forward or retreat?

"I think at least one of us need to advance and examine the bridge to see if it has been boobytrapped. Preferably someone who can fly in case the bridge gives way, or the dragon has a trick up its green sleeve."

I'll go...Maysalkirii mutters, pulling out a potion of Fly for use in case it proves necessary. He keeps his eyes peeled for traps and dangers as he slowly crosses the bridge, Cayden's Guidance bolstering his vision.

Perception-1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28

"Wait, Feek," Adele says as the goblin starts toward the bridge. Reaching out to touch him, she quickly blesses him casting protection from evil. "Shelyn protect you," she tells him with a smile. "I know Cayden Cailean won't object to her company."

Maysalkirii experiences a slight tingling sensation as he passes between the two southern towers, like a tightening of his skin. Nothing else happens, though. He does not see anything that Findor did not see.

Adele visibly relaxes when Feek crosses the bridge and nothing happens. "Do you see anything?" she calls across to him. "Any sign of their camp or where they've gone?"

Maysalkirii sees no sign of Red Hand encampment. Following possible tracks would require him to touch down on the opposite side of the span. The Silversong Champions stand facing the Skull Gorge Bridge (MAP). What will they do?

Alexander, if you would like Maysalkirii somewhere else on the map, just let me know.

Maysalkirii sees no sign of Red Hand encampment. Following possible tracks would require him to touch down on the opposite side of the span.

For clarity, Maysalkirii was walking across the bridge. The potion of Fly's out in his hand in case he needs to drink it quickly.

Assuming Maysalkirii finds no traps and sees nothing untoward, he'll look for tracks by the tents he saw yesterday.

1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19

My mistake. I thought he drank the potion.

Examining the earth near the former encampment, Maysalkirii finds tracks leading in many directions. A great bustle of activity went on in the area yesterday. Some tracks lead further north. Most of the tracks are in single-file, making estimates of the number of people difficult to make.

Maysalkirii gestures to the group to cross the bridge. Once they are across he will point out the tracks to Narses and let the expert woodsman draw his own conclusions.

DM, does Maysalkirii see any tracks going across the bridge itself, or south towards the bridge from the encampment?

I would suggest a Take 20 on Survival on the tracks here, assuming Narses doesn't roll high first time. Maysalkirii will assist Narses in either case, providing him with a +3 bonus including Guidance upon the Ranger.

Adele does her best to stay out of Narses' and Feek's way as they examine the ground for evidence. As she waits, she softly sings a soothing song, familiar from childhood days, that relaxes the searchers' nerves and helps them to concentrate. Inspire Competence +2

No pressure Narses, but the whole party's relying on your survival roll + track +5 ;).

Narses moves up with Feek to check the campsite.
survival (12 skill + 2 tracking + 2 inspire + 3 Feek) 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (9) + 19 = 28 +4 vs goblinoids, +2 vs dragons.

I need a marching order and initiative rolls, people.

Feek up front, Narses next, then Findor and Adele with Dragox trailing I beliee was the agreed upon order.

initiative 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Initiative 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

I'd have said Maysalkirii was behind Narses as he was the primary tracker, but i'm ok either way.

Can I take 10 on initiative for 18? I'm off to bed so if thats not feasible please roll init on my behalf, +8 modifier.

Initiative 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

I am fine with the same marching order we have been using, as Narses described.

As the Silversong Champions make their way across the Skull Gorge Bridge, their investigations are disturbed by loud crashes of stone and mortar. On either side of the bridge, the new stonework on the base of the towers bursts outward, spilling Red Hand troops. They move swiftly and efficiently, forming a foursquare on each end of the bridge. They wield crossbows, with the first row kneeling to give line-of-sight to the second row. Each group of four is commanded by an officer.

The sources of the crash are revealed to be the green dragon from the day before, as well as the werebat gargoyle that has pursued you since Vraath Keep. Mounted on top of the shapechanging beast is a particularly ugly man, what you can only assume to be a hideously scarred and deformed hobgoblin (Picture).

The soldiers do not attack, however. The figure mounted on top of the monster points imperiously at you, "Halt, criminals. I am Wyrmlord Koth, Commander Second Class of the Red Hand Horde. You will put down your weapons and submit to arrest."

MAP. Dark gray bars are holes in towers.

Initiative 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22

Impressive... Maysalkirii mutters, then turns with a grin to Dragox. They're just begging for a Fireball huh?

Init-1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

"Looks like it, Feek," Dragox mutters undr his breath, while marvelling at the cleverness of the adversaries, that had managed to pincher the team.

"Wyrmlord Koth," Adele addresses the hobgoblin on the dragon, "I'm afraid we do not recognize your authority as legitimate, any more, I am sure, than you would be willing to submit to arrest due to our official deputization by the Town Speaker of Drellin's Ferry. I suggest, in return, that you and your followers surrender and turn from your evil ways."

Just waiting for an init order before I post, let me know if you want my action before init order is up- Feek's not wasting any time letting them get the jump on us.

Findor adapts what he hopes is a kobold-like stance, raising his voice in the typical kobold-squeak.

"Brave dragon-people do what halfling asks, yes? Make noble sacrifice. Great dragon be loved by many people!"

Wyrmlord Koth sighs in annoyance, "You are very predictable." Looking to the sergeant nearest him, he makes a flat-handed chopping motion towards your party. The officer raises his sword into the air and the crossbowmen take aim.

ROUND 1

Maysalkirii
Findor
Adele
Narses
Dragox
--------------------
Ozyrrandion
Hobgoblin Sergeant 1
Hobgoblin Sergeant 2
Wyrmlord Koth
Rhiaowiok
Hobgoblin Soldier 1
Hobgoblin Soldier 2
Hobgoblin Soldier 3
Hobgoblin Soldier 4
Hobgoblin Soldier 5
Hobgoblin Soldier 6
Hobgoblin Soldier 7
Hobgoblin Soldier 8
--------------------
ROUND 1 MAP (already posted)

Initiative
Maysalkirii 25
Findor 22
Ozyrrandion 19
Hobgoblin Sergeants 14
Adele 12
Wyrmlord Koth and Rhiaowiok 10
Narses 8
Dragox 7
Hobgoblin Soldiers 7

Need to report on technical difficulties. My PC did something weird, and got a black screen of death everytime I turned it on. I was finally able to get it running again, but having the PC checked out to make sure nothing is seriously wrong with it may leave me out of commission for a few days.